Tom Cruise has courted attention with his smooth arrival at the largest military air show in the world marking the United States Air Force’s 75th anniversary.
The Top Gun actor, 60, recently reprised his reckless yet loyal character Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the latest movie, more than 20 years after starring in the original film.
Over the weekend, he was spotted at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to watch the impressive air show displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).
In his element, the A-list star rubbed shoulders with the Red Arrows and Air Cadets during the visit.
Ever the people pleaser, the movie star posed for photographs with the flight crews.
The Red Arrows official twitter page wrote: “We’ve got a new wingman…. Today, Maverick joined the Red Arrows! Epic to meet @TomCruise at the Royal International Air Tattoo and to speak about aviation, teamwork and Top Gun. “
RAF’s official group tweeted out: “It’s the final day of @airtattoo ! Yesterday, during his visit, @TopGunMovie star, actor @TomCruise met with @aircadets & @rafredarrows aviators to discuss the aircraft on display & how the RAF is innovating for tomorrow. “
Paul Atherton, chief executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “Tom’s visit is something we’ve been trying really hard to keep under wraps, but keeping secrets like that is hard when they’re so exciting.
“The Top Gun films and Tom’s famous passion for aircraft and flying have really helped to catapult aviation into the spotlight, which will help promote and inspire future generations of young people.
“RIAT is a home for those who appreciate the brilliance and excitement of the aviation world, so I am delighted to be able to welcome Tom to that home.”
